noob to board - my story

[Guest]

Hello all!

I've been following posts here at cpaptalk.com for a couple of months and decided to join. I really like the caring people and all the great information.

I went in for a physical in Feb/2006 as I just turned 40. I'm doing ok, except for cholesterol and triglycerides are too high.
I've been curious about a sleep test due to what I read about sleep apnea symptoms. I was foggy/dizzy, couldn't concentrate, and crabby. My mornings are like I had a small hangover and takes 2hrs w/ coffee to wake up.
So, I asked my doctor if he could recommend a sleep test. He said, Sure!
The first test revealed I do have sleep apnea. They said I had 31 obstructive apneic and 18 hypoapneic episodes (hope I worded that right).
I went in for a second sleep test with a cpap and mask. I woke feeling a whole lot better than I ever had before. I was so amazed. They prescribed a pressure of 12cm/h2o.
I chose a local DME, had the sleep lab fax over the Rx, and went to get fitted for a mask and machine. I chose the F&P HC604 mainly because of the heated hose as I read it helped with rainout and rainout was something I didn't want.
The mask was a ResMed Mirage Swift.
Oh boy did I have a fuss getting used to things. I have mild OCD so every little thing bugged me. The mask noise was too loud while breathing, the side straps and side hose bugged me. The pressure just seemed way too much as I felt like I was inflating and my ears popped. Little did I know this was all normal begginings for getting use to a CPAP. I called the Sleep Doctor and he lowered me to 10cm/h20.
I went back to the DME and tried other masks. The F&P HC407 was pretty good except for rainout right in the mask. I returned it because I was waking periodically with a very dry mouth. The DME in turn gave me a ResMed Ultra Mirage FF. I hated it. No matter what I did, the thing was leaking horribly. I didn't even use it the first night. So, I went without any CPAP for the weekend.
I went back to the DME and tried a bunch of masks and was just about to go nuts because I couldn't decide on one, when, I tried the PB Breeze. I instantly was impressed and went home with it.
Nights went by and for some reason I kept yanking the Breeze off my head and turning off my CPAP machine. Sometimes I would know I did it and sometimes not. I talked to the DME and they told me my pressure was probably either too low or too high. So, I was a little hesitant but decided to adjust my own pressure by .5cm increments for a few nights. I noticed when I get up to 11.5cm, my mouth would open and get very dry. I went back to 11cm and I'm keeping the mask on all night and seldomly opening my mouth. I also run only unheated distilled water in the humidifier as I feel more comfortable with breathing the cool air. Although, this may change during winter.
It's taken me several weeks to figure out what works, but i'm almost satisfied with the equipment. I'm intrigued with this APAP machine I read much about and the Respironics ComfortLite2. I don't think I can take my CPAP back to the DME, though.
So far I've notice my mood improve drastically with only a mild increase in energy. I'm still a bit tired in the morning, but that's probably due to my bad habit of staying up to too late.

Well, That's enough typing for now and if I still have your attention, I'm way open to any suggestions or comments.

[floydcs]

Sorry, I thought I was logged in when I did this first post...

[maskjkie]

I read much about and the Respironics ComfortLite2.

I suggest to try the Hybrid as opposed to the CL2 since you do mouth breathe.

[inacpapfog]

Welcome, floydcs! You seemed to have gone through several of the standard cpap "adjustment" kinks! But, at least you keeping plugging in! Good for you!!!
Stay in touch here and I'm sure you will find all kinds of helpful info. and the "takes-one -to-know-one" kind of support that comes in real handy when you're feeling at your wits end during this pap trail ride!

[Bookbear]

Welcome, and congrats on sticking with the therapy! Like most of us here, you have gone through some of the common teething problems. It sounds as if you were spared the "evil DME" horrors, and for that you should be deeply grateful. As further questions crop up (and they will!), don't hesitate to pick the collective brains of the people here...they are a great bunch!

[floydcs]

Thanks for the welcomes!

I was a bit embarrassed to have to use a mask when I sleep. My wife encouraged me and the fact that I felt good from that first night with a CPAP at the sleep lab has been a good driving force to continue.

I'm naturally analytical and like all the details that I could get if I got a machine with software. I didn't know anything about all the CPAP equipment when I went to the DME. Seems the F&P CPAP has software available, but maybe just for the clinician.
My insurance bought the machine outright and allows a mask and a new hose every 6 mo. So, I have to wait until the end of October, I think...
I would like to try the Hybrid that maskjkie suggested.
I have doubts the DME would trade my F&P CPAP for an APAP, but who knows.

My DME seems to be pretty good. They said they want me to be happy with a mask otherwise people tend to give up on the therapy.